3937 N LINCOLN Ave., Chicago IL.

2458 W MONTROSE, Chicago IL.

4300 N Lincoln Ave. Chicago IL.

4050 N. Maplewood, Chicago IL.

3633 N California Ave. Chicago IL.

1910 W LARCHMOUNT, Chicago IL.

Location: Approximately 5 miles north of the Chicago

Loop, morespecifically: Montrose Avenue (4400N) to the north, Ravenswood Avenue (1800W) to the east, Addison Street (3600N) to the south, and the Chicago River (3000W) to the west

Bordering Neighborhoods: Lakeview, Ravenswood, St. Ben’s, Roscoe Village, Irving Park

Zip Codes: 60613, 60618, 60657

North Center is a pleasant and palatable neighborhood suited to those who want a taste of serene suburban living mixed in with the excitement, energy and convenience of an urban lifestyle. What really distinguishes this area is how well they do the urban/suburban mix. It looks leisurely and residential with its 3 parks, abundance of tall trees, large single family homes with equally large yards and quaint North Park Elementary School at its heart. But right down the block and/or across the street are busy business sections, shops that are hopping, great cafes, plus art and antique dealers galore.Want a bowling alley and an indoor ice skating rink? They’re here along with great bars and a nifty nightlife to enjoy.

Many of the restaurants and a lot of the housing that still stands is old world and reflects a strong European heritage that dates back to the 19th and 20th Century. A lot has been preserved, a lot has been redeveloped and that duality is a plus on North Center’s impressive resume. It’s affordable. It’s accessible. It’s diverse and fun! It’s an up and coming neighborhood for everyone who wants to drive home and say: I’m happy and proud to live in North Center.

What’s on the Menu?
Prepare for a feast of culinary cultural delights beginning with what is ostensibly the best Cuban restaurant this size of Havana. It’s Café 28 (1800-06) W. Irving Park known and worshiped for its Cuban chicken. If you’re super hungry, people are also big on the Tiny Lounge (4352 N. Leavitt) for all-American cuisine and great grub at a gastro pub. The Golden Angel Restaurant at 4340 N. Lincoln is supposed to be heavenly and we can’t forget Mike’s Fabulous Favorites, including Brown Trout (4111 N. Lincoln) for casual fine dining, Chalkboard (4343 N. Lincoln) for GREAT southern fried chicken and great home cooking and for great burgers go to The Bad Apple at 4300 N. Lincoln. For more information on these and other restaurants in North Center go to www.chicago.menupages.com.

Browsing Housing
From a real estate perspective, there are housing opportunities presented in this area for all kinds of age brackets and income levels. In general, however, it’s less expensive and more affordable to find your dream home in North Center than in areas closer to Chicago or the lake. Add the edge of having Mike Kaufman of Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty as your trusted real estate guide and it’s easier to find the real deals, absolute steals and true gems. As Mike notes, “all housing that glitters does not have to be on the Gold Coast.” You can look at a myriad of options from new construction townhomes and rehabbed Greystone and Brownstone walk-ups to single family homes that are stunning.

Real Estate Prices at a Glance:	Price Range:
One bedroom walk up condos	$147,000 to $382,000
Two bedroom condos	$157,000 to $649,000
Three bedroom condos & TH’s	$304,000 to $1,314,000
Detached Single Family Homes	$423,000 to $2,158,000

North Center Neighborhood Listings